Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a public holiday celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. It is an official holiday recognized in the United States and Canada. However, in Canada, it is usually celebrated on the second Monday of October. So what is the story behind Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a celebration of a good harvest and other blessings obtained during the year. It is a way to show gratitude. The first ever Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims of Plymouth in the new world of America. It was made an official national holiday in 1863 by president Abraham Lincoln. On the other hand, in Canada, gratitude celebration dates varied across the years. However, as of 1957, Thanksgiving became celebrated on the second Monday of October of each year.

In the olden days, the pilgrims hunted wild turkey and cooked it for the whole family. It is believed that they chose the turkey because this bird was large enough to feed many people for many days. Moreover, the turkey was chosen over cows which gave milk and chicken which laid eggs.

How is modern day Thanksgiving celebrated? Same like the old days, Thanksgiving is a day to get together and enjoy a feast with family members and close friends. Families gather on this special day to enjoy dinners consisting mainly of the traditional stuffed roasted turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce with side vegetables and salads. Many delicious desserts are also served such as pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Yet, the most important part of the dinner is to express gratitude for all of God’s blessings. Each person has to say something that they are thankful for before starting to eat the delicious meal that has been cooked and baked.

We are already in November and before we know it, it will be Thanksgiving. So, plan ahead for a special dinner with family members and loved ones. The table will be full of delicious foods and scrumptious desserts. However, do not forget the main essence of this feast. Always remember to count your blessings and show gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Citations:
“Thanksgiving Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thanksgiving-Day.
Unger, Jordan. “These Stores Will Be Closed Thanksgiving Day This Year.” Fox 8 Cleveland WJW, Fox 8 Cleveland WJW, 1 Nov. 2022, https://fox8.com/news/these-stores-will-be-closed-thanksgiving-day-this-year/.
“Why Do We Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?” Burger Farms, https://burgerfarms.com/2273-2/.